Garth M. Harbert
CRD#: 6681198
Professional summary
As a Merrill Financial Solutions Advisor I work one-on-one with clients to help them build personalized financial strategies designed to meet their unique life goals. Whether it’s planning for retirement, saving for education, or growing generational wealth, I guide clients through every step of the process—offering tailored advice, comprehensive solutions, and ongoing support. Backed by the powerful resources of Merrill and Bank of America, I focus on developing long-term relationships built on trust and a deep understanding of each client’s financial landscape. From investment strategies to holistic financial planning, my goal is to empower clients with clarity and confidence in their financial future. I hold the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC®) designation, which enhances my ability to deliver specialized retirement planning guidance. This designation equips me to better support clients in navigating the complexities of retirement income planning, asset allocation, and legacy planning. Every day, I have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives through thoughtful financial advice—and that’s what drives me.
Biography
Garth M. Harbert, CRPC™ is a Financial Solutions Advisor and Senior Portfolio Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, based in Vienna, Virginia. With a warm and personalized approach, Garth is passionate about helping individuals and families build a solid financial foundation for every stage of life.
Drawing on years of experience in the financial industry, Garth specializes in holistic financial planning—looking at the full picture of his clients’ goals, values, and life circumstances to develop strategies that are thoughtful, realistic, and adaptable. Whether it's planning for retirement, navigating major life events, or building generational wealth, Garth provides steady guidance and trusted advice.
Beyond his professional work, Garth proudly serves in the U.S. Army Reserve, a role that reflects his deep commitment to leadership, discipline, and service to others. This dual dedication to both his country and his clients adds a unique perspective to his work—grounded in integrity, resilience, and genuine care.
Question & Answer
What makes you the best choice for clients?
I provide holistic, client-first financial planning backed by proven expertise and a strong commitment to service—bringing integrity, discipline, and genuine care to every relationship.
What are your service offerings?
Retirement Planning
Financial Planning
Estate Planning
Investment Strategies
Education Funding
Do you have an area of expertise or specialization?
Saving for Retirement
401(k) Rollover and Roth IRA
Portfolio optimization
Which demographics do you typically serve?
Baby Boomers (78-60)
Gen X (44-59)
What is your current number of clients?
Under 50
What is your minimum asset requirement?
250K
How do you get paid?
Percentage of Assets
Fixed / Negotiated Fee
Are you a "fiduciary"?
No
Personal quote
"The price of greatness is responsibility." -Winston Churchill
Aliases
Garth M Harbert
Other business activities
Outside business activity is any business or activity undertaken by an advisor that is outside the scope of their relationship with their firm (e.g., consulting services, real estate, freelance work, teaching, etc.). Investors should stay informed about these activities to ensure no conflicts of interest.
Name of the other businessUnited States Army Reserve Whether the business is investment-relatedNo Address of the other business White Plains, Maryland Nature of the other businessUSERRA Protected Army Reserve Commitment Your positionSoldier Title, or relationship with the other businessSoldier Start date of your relationship04 November 2020 Approximate number of hours/month you devote to the other business16 (Based off one weekend a month however may be subject to change based on legal orders) Number of hours you devote/month to the other business during securities trading hours0 (Based off one weekend a month however may be subject to change based on legal orders) Briefly describe your duties relating to the other businessI am a USERRA protected soldier in the United States Army Reserve
CRS (Client Relationship Summary)
The CRS(Customer Relationship Summary) document is not provided.
Certified licenses
Advisors may have various certifications and credentials from different organizations. AdvisorCheck highlights these seven certifications - AIF®, CFP®, ChFC®, CFA, CLU®, CIMA®, CPWA®
NoneEducation
The Virginia Military Institute
Bachelor's - International Studies and Political Science
2014
Experience
Past
November 20, 2023 - September 23, 2025
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
RIA
CRD#: 7691
VIENNA, VA
Past
October 1, 2023 - September 23, 2025
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
BD
CRD#: 7691
VIENNA, VA
Past
April 10, 2017 - June 19, 2020
NAVY FEDERAL INVESTMENT SERVICES, LLC
RIA
CRD#: 138459
RESTON, VA
Past
February 10, 2017 - June 19, 2020
NAVY FEDERAL INVESTMENT SERVICES, LLC
BD
CRD#: 138459
RESTON, VA
Primary Firm SEC Registration
This SEC-registered firm can serve clients nationwide. Some states may require the firm to submit a notice filing if the firm has more than 5 clients or a physical office there. You can view these state-level filings under the section titled "State Registrations and Notice Filings".
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
MERRILL LYNCH PIERCE FENNER & SMITH | MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED | MERRILL LYNCH PIERCE FENNER & SMITH INC.
CRD#: 7691 / SEC#: 801-14235, 8-7221
RIA
Registered Investment Advisory firm - SEC (12/8/1978 Approved)BD
Broker-Dealer Firm Regulated by FINRA (New York district office)
State Registrations and Notice Filings
Listed states reflect where the advisor is authorized to serve clients under state regulations.
Visual representation of state registrations
This advisor is not registered in any state.
Exams
State Security Law Exam
General Industry/Product Exam
RR
Series 7TO
Date: 10/1/2023
General Securities Representative ExaminationGeneral Industry/Product Exam
General Industry/Product Exam
Current Firm
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
MERRILL LYNCH PIERCE FENNER & SMITH | MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED | MERRILL LYNCH PIERCE FENNER & SMITH INC.
CRD#: 7691 / SEC#: 801-14235, 8-7221
RIA
Registered Investment Advisory firm - SEC (12/8/1978 Approved)BD
Broker-Dealer Firm Regulated by FINRA (New York district office)
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Contact information
Main Address
One Bryant Park, New York, NY 10036
Mailing Address
150 N College St Nc1-028-29-04, Charlotte, NC 28255
Phone number
(800) 637-7455
Established
Delaware since 11/10/1958
Firm type
Corporation
Fiscal year end
December
Firm Size
Large
# of Employees
33,689
SEC notice filing (49 States and Territories)
FINRA licenses (53 States and Territories)
Documents
Part 2 Brochures
Direct owners and executive officers
| Name | Position | CRD# |
|---|---|---|
| BAC NORTH AMERICA HOLDING COMPANY | SHAREHOLDER | |
| AXELROD, SUSAN F | CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER | 6949587 |
| FAHMY, NANCY MONIR | DIRECTOR | 2689751 |
| GELLENE, MATTHEW THOMAS | DIRECTOR | 1977160 |
| HANS, LINDSAY DENARDO | STATE DESIGNATED PRINCIPAL & DIRECTOR | 4429443 |
| HEATON, DAVID CARLETON JR | CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER | 5972432 |
| MOONEY, SARA RATHBONE | CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER | 7616382 |
| SABBIA, LORNA ROSE | DIRECTOR | 1873495 |
| SANTANNA, VINCENT C. | CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER & FINOP | 5290525 |
| SCHIMPF, ERIC A | DIRECTOR & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, STATE DESIGNATED PRINCIPAL | 2494318 |
Regulatory assets under management
| Total Number of Accounts | 3,085,811 |
| AUM (Assets Under Management) | $ 1,511,090,925,436 |
Disclosures
| Regulatory Event | 610 |
| Civil Event | 4 |
| Arbitration | 878 |
Accountant surprise examination report
| Filing Date | Form ADV-E Cover | Form ADV-E Report |
|---|---|---|
| 11/25/2024 | ||
| 08/24/2023 | ||
| 01/27/2023 |
Red Flags
Disclosures can be potential red flags, including customer disputes, regulatory fines, employer terminations, bankruptcies, judgments, liens, or certain criminal activities.
Check for any disclosures as part of your thorough research when choosing an advisor.
Company Information
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
CRD#: 7691TRUST BUT VERIFY
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Contact information
(xxx) xxx-xxxx
xxxxx@xxxx.xxx
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